Thanks to the recent influx of big, athletic, pass-catching tight ends, the position is deeper than ever in fantasy. There are plenty of high-potential sleepers if you miss out on the top guys.

1. Jimmy Graham NO

982 receiving yards, 9 TDs, 152 points.

The undisputed top TE this season thanks to Gronkowski’s injury question marks.

2. Tony Gonzalez ATL

930 receiving yards, 8 TDs, 141 points.

Decided against retirement and should put on a top-five performance.

3. Jason Witten DAL

1039 receiving yards, 3 TDs, 121 points.

Hasn’t missed a game since 2003 and has averaged more than 1,000 yards per season over past six.

4. Vernon Davis SF

548 receiving yards, 5 TDs, 84 points.

He’ll be getting work as a WR and lots of targets. The downside: Produced very little with Kaepernick under centre.

5. Rob Gronkowski NE

790 receiving yards, 11 TDs, 143 points.

There is no tight end that is more polarizing in the fantasy community than Rob Gronkowski.

The Patriots’ best receiving weapon could either make or break your team in 2013 and that’s largely dependent on his recovery from a broken arm late last season. Since getting hurt on a meaningless extra point, Gronk has had four surgeries on his arm due to an infection and also had back surgery this summer.

It’s still unknown when he’ll return to the lineup as he is still in rehab mode and working on his core strength and conditioning.

When he does return, he’ll likely be part of Bill Belichick’s weekly group of “questionable” players on the injury report. Not frustrating enough? The Patriots play seven games at 4 p.m., or later, meaning if Gronk is, in fact, out one week, you’ll have fewer options to swap in at those later times.

So, why would you want to draft a guy with this type of recent injury history? Because he’s that good. Despite playing just 11 games last season, he scored the second most fantasy points at his position, trailing only Jimmy Graham. In his three NFL seasons, his lowest TD total is 10 and he has proven to be one of the most reliable red-zone targets in the league.

If you do take the plunge with Gronk, I’d recommend also grabbing one of the three or four good, high-potential TE sleepers later in the draft. There’s a good chance you’ll need them at some point this season.

6. Greg Olsen CAR

843 receiving yards, 5 TDs, 84 points.

Became a good second option for Cam Newton after Steve Smith.

7. Owen Daniels HOU

716 receiving yards, 6 TDs, 107 points.

Should see his targets cut back with some new receivers in town.

8. Martellus Bennett CHI

626 receiving yards, 5 TDs, 95 points.

Will provide a much-needed viable target over the middle for Jay Cutler.

9. Jared Cook STL

523 receiving yards, 4 TDs, 74 points.

An incredible athlete who was misused by Titans. Could see a big breakout season in St. Louis.

10. Jermichael Finley GB

667 receiving yards, 2 TDs, 76 points.

In great shape, in a contract year and looking to become a top TE again.

11. Brandon Myers NYG

806 receiving yards, 4 TDs, 104 points.

An underrated TE last year in Oakland, led the team in receptions and receiving yards.

12. Kyle Rudolph MIN

493 receiving yards, 9 TDs, 105 points.

Very all or nothing. If he doesn’t score a TD, he’s not putting up a lot of points.

13. Antonio Gates SD

538 receiving yards 7 TDs, 95 points.

Is more of a recognizable name than a top player now. Will keep you checking the injury reports.

14. Fred Davis WAS

325 receiving yards, 32 points.

Coming back from an Achillies injury, Davis should prove to be a top-10 TE this season.

15. Jordan Cameron CLE

226 receiving yards, 1 TD, 28 points.

A hot name as a sleeper prospect, he’s the big, athletic type of TE that will feature for Browns.

16. Jermaine Gresham CIN

737 receiving yards, 5 TDs, 101 points.

Has progressively gotten better over first three seasons and remains key part of Bengals passing game.

17. Brandon Pettigrew DET

567 receiving yards, 3 TDs, 70 points.

Production fell off last season due to injury, but still had more than 100 targets.

18. Rob Housler ARZ

417 receiving yards 41 points.

After watching Carson Palmer connect with Myers in Oakland, Housler has gained major sleeper buzz.

19. Dwayne Allen IND

521 receiving yards, 3 TDs, 70 points.

A better blocking TE than a pass-catcher, but should see lots of snaps in a more run-heavy offence.

20. Brent Celek PHI

684 receiving yards, 1 TD, 72 points.

Could be in line for mainly run-blocking duties with rookie Ertz playing so well in camp.

21. Coby Fleener IND

281 receiving yards, 2 TDs, 40 points.

Playing under his offensive co-ordinator from Stanford hasn’t had the desired effect on this sophomore.

22. Heath Miller PIT

816 receiving yards, 8 TDs, 131 points.

Coming back after suffering major knee injury in Week 17. Could be ready for Week 1, but that’s unlikely.

23. Ed Dickson BAL

225 receiving yards, 22 points.

After watching Ravens top TE Dennis Pitta go down, hurt his hamstring in camp and may not be ready for Week 1.

24. Zach Miller SEA

396 receiving yards, 3 TDs, 55 points.

His numbers haven’t been great since coming over from Oakland two years ago.

25. Jacob Tamme DEN

555 receiving yards, 2 TDs, 67

points.

With those three great receivers in Denver, it is unlikely Tamme will have much value.

26. Zach Sudfeld NE

2013 rookie

Undrafted rookie has looked good in pre-season and should be the Pats’ starting TE until Gronk returns.

27. Tyler Eifert CIN

2013 rookie

The first tight end taken in this year’s college draft, he’s looking at splitting targets with Gresham.

28. Zach Ertz PHI

2013 rookie

Has been lining up out wide and could be the answer to Eagles’ question marks about WR depth.

29. Scott Chandler BUF

571 receiving yards, 6 TDs, 91 points.

Coming back from an ACL injury, his role in the Bills’ new offence has yet to be determined.

30. Dallas Clark BAL

435 receiving yards, 4 TDs, 67 points.

Could see a lot of playing time with Pitta’s season likely over and Dickson getting hurt.

BEGINNERS’ ADVICE

Is this your first year in fantasy football? You’re probably not alone, this game is growing every year and is a billion-dollar industry. Here are some quick pointers for building your first team.

n Know the scoring system in your league. If you’re not in a standard league, find out how the values differ and adjust your rankings accordingly. Some guys are better in Points-per-reception leagues, others are only worth having in a TD-only format.

-- Don’t feel the need to fill out your roster spots immediately. It’s perfectly OK to draft three or four RBs before taking your tight end or even QB. There’s much more value at some positions than others.

-- Don’t completely rely on Average Draft Positions. Just because a player has a high ADP, doesn’t mean he’ll be great. Those numbers take into account drafts that have taken place weeks ago, before roles have been set and injuries have occurred. Use your own judgment.

-- Don’t draft kickers or defences until the very end. There is so little value in these positions and the difference between a great kicker or DEF and an average one isn’t that big.

-- Don’t feel you need to follow “runs” at drafts. Just because everyone is taking a TE or QB this round doesn’t mean you have to. When runs occur, players are often taken a bit earlier than they should.

-- Pay attention to who other teams are drafting. If the guy after you desperately needs a certain position, the guy you might think will fall to the next round might be next on his radar.

-- Finally, don’t target your favourite players. It’s nice to have a guy or two from your favourite team, but that doesn’t mean he’s the best option available to you.

INJURY RISKS

INJURY RISKS

Let’s face it: Some guys get hurt more often than others. Not every NFL player can be an iron man and here are some that will likely either consistently end up on the injury report or probably miss at least one game this season.